Papua New Guinea police are investigating a Chinese clothing brand which used cultural images in its advertising.
The Shanghai-based Icicle Fashion Group released a new clothing range last week, accompanied by photos shot in East New Britain province.
One of the Icicle Fashion photo sets that sparked outrage in Papua New Guinea. Photo: Facebook/ Icicle Fashion
Photos from the campaign, posted on the company's website and social media, show models posing with Tolai people in traditional tribal dress.
Police Minister Jelta Wong said he'd investigate who is responsible for allowing the photos to be taken.
RNZ Pacific understands police are making enquiries.
Photo: Icicle Fashion
The province's Tourism Authority has issued a statement calling for all advertising involving Tolai Tumbuan masks to be taken down.
"The Tumbuan society is a very sacred and respected culture in our province," chairperson Douglas Pidi said in a statement.
"What has transpired over the last few days has demeaned the Tumbuan society."
Mr Pidi said the images used by Icicle were doctored to distort "features of the Tumbuans".